Donahue announces run for state rep

Former Mayor John Anderson joked Wednesday that Daniel Donahue is so entrenched in the 16th Worcester district that he didn't even leave for college.

Mr. Anderson, at Vernon Hill Park to endorse Mr. Donahue after the 26 year old formally announced his bid for the state representative seat vacated last week with the resignation of John P. Fresolo, had Mr. Donahue when he was a student at the College of the Holy Cross.

Mr. Donahue, who lives with his brother on Malmo Road, next door to his parents, grew up in Quinsigamond Village, and played up his roots when announcing his run.

“Since I was born, the 16th Worcester district has been my home,” Mr. Donahue said. “There's no place I'd rather live, and I believe that with dedicated, honest, and thoughtful leadership, its best days lie ahead.”

He said the 16th played a big role in changes the city has undergone in recent years, from the Route 146 corridor to the renovation of Vernon Hill Park.

But challenges remain, and Mr. Donahue said the Route 20 corridor needs continued focus on development. He said education in the district is also key, and said elected officials must ensure that schools such as Grafton Street School, Vernon Hill School and Worcester East Middle School provide healthy, improved environments in which to learn.

After his announcement, Mr. Donahue did not offer an opinion on one of the biggest issues in the city - a slots parlor proposed for nearby Green Island. Mr. Donahue said he trusts that City Manager Michael V. O'Brien is working hard on hammering out a host community agreement with the developer, and said he also trusts the voters. He said he wants to wait to see what sort of mitigation package comes out of the negotiations.

Mr. Donahue is currently assistant chief of staff for Mayor Joseph Petty. Mr. Petty, who along with several city councilors who endorsed Mr. Donahue, said Wednesday that if elected, Mr. Donahue would get things done. He's a hard worker who often works very long days and nights in the mayor's office. But he's also well-known by neighborhood activists and advocates, and is respected and well-liked, Mr. Petty said.

Mr. Donahue said he planned to raise and spend betwen $25,000 and $35,000 on the campaign. He said the top three issues for the district are jobs and econonic opportunity, safe neighborhoods and education.

As with any open seat at the Statehouse, there has been a lot of interest in the 16th Worcester district seat. In addition to Mr. Donahue, names mentioned as potential candidates include Joshua Perro, a member of the Worcester Public Library board of directors who is associated with his family's florist business on Grafton Street; Mathew T. Taylor, who lost to Mr. Fresolo in 2008; Christopher S. Condon, a former candidate for Worcester School Committee who has worked on the campaigns of U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray, and Gov. Deval L. Patrick; James M. O'Brien, a campaign manager for former state Rep. Guy W. Glodis; and David LeBoeuf, executive director for Initiative for Engaged Citizenship and a campaign manager for Rep. James O'Day, D-West Boylston.

On the Republican side, Carol Claros, longtime city resident and a nurse at MCI-Concord Correctional Facility, has said she is exploring the possibility of running for the seat.

Mr. Donahue said he has always been interested in public service.

“When this opportunity arose, I decided it was my time to take a run for it,” Mr. Donahue said.

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